In the Bugatti, at top speed and assuming a near fuel tank you've only got ~10 minutes of fuel. On top of that, your tires are only good for about ~15 minutes. Sourced from Top Gear's commentary on the car making it's legendary "proof" run at the Volkswagen test track.

If you are between an A3 and an IS 250 and scratching your head then look at consumer reports.... Only 53% of owners would buy the A3 again - this is the bottom of the barrel. The IS 250 RWD is 78% -- this is near the very top of the list. All in all the odds are that you will be happier with the IS 250.

Who said anything about a 328i? To be quite honest, the A3, even in FWD guise, is even more involving to drive than the 328i, which is of course leaps and bounds beyond the IS250. If you don't believe me, you might want to go drive one some time, that little A3 is an absolute blast to drive.

A stock FWD A4 isn't even remotely the same Audi as the one we're discussing here, different chassis, different drivetrain, different just about everything except the name of the manufacturer. Maybe I'm missing something here but I thought that we were discussing the IS250 and the A3. Yes, no?

I agree with blueguy. While CR isn't my first stop for auto information (I read the major auto mags for that) but I do take a look at CR's customer reactions and reliability data. My car ownership experiences over the past 30+ years track very well against their ratings. They're not enthusiasts but they have a great database.

In the beginning this thread was started by someone who was looking for opinions on the IS250 and the A3, and that was what we discussed. Then the 328i was added, then the A4 2.0T FWD, now the RX-8. Hmmm, as much as I like and admire the RX-8, it isn't a car that fits my needs nor is it really germain to this conversation.

Can I chime in? :blush: My short list was the IS250, the Acura TL and the G35x.I drove the IS250 and although fit and finish was outstanding, the size was a deal breaker for me, since I had a 4 yr old daughter who had to be comfy in the back. The lack of power had me worried about the novelty wearing off as well.That brought me to the TL and the G35x.I had to really weigh the pros and cons to come to a decision. Honestly, both are awesome cars and you can't go wrong with either one.For me, the G just gave me a feeling that the TL could not. The dealer, where I bought my 06 MDX, gave me a TL loaner on 7 separate days... one being a Type-S as well.As much as I enjoyed them (especially the MPG), I got bored with them.

The G (for me) is WAY more fun to drive. It has more power and I felt more in control of the G as well. It offers more feedback (in a good way)I now have AWD when I need it (It's fantastic in the snow!) and RWD performance at any other time.Also, I found that my right knee hits the center console in the TL and my left arm, which I like to rest on the window edge, was uncomfortable. The window edge was too high and the arm rest was too low.The "Studio on Wheels" stereo in the G is more enjoyable and I also feel that the fit/finish/ level of luxury in the G is higher than that of the TL. I love the look of the real rosewood trim in my car and how it contrasts with the black interior.I also have absolutely no rattles after 14,000 miles and one year of driving.

Again, this is all personal preference.I liked both cars, but the G just did it better for me.

Thank you scottm123, that's exactly what I was looking for. The 3 cars you named are the exact 3 I'm looking at right now. I currently do not have any children, but I do hope to start a family in a few years, so that does factor in.

I think like you said, I won't know what car is right for me until I drive them.

I graduated from LSU (Geaux Tigers) last year and got a pretty good job. I've been driving a Toyota Corolla for 7 years now, so any car I choose should be a significant upgrade.

If you want performance, dont even think about the IS250, there are cars that perform way better than that car. However, if you are talking luxury appointments, you cant go wrong with the IS250. Lexus poured its heart into that cars fit & finish. Reliablity is great on the IS as well.

I think this is not really a fair comparison. A3 and R-8 and M3 and IS250, they dont fall in same league.. I was looking for "Affordable" fun to drive luxury car, that's why A3 and IS250. I agree that A3 has a punch to its drive, but practically everyone shares that the Audi dealer service is bad, including my own test drive experience .. May be Audi has a special program, "How to treat your customers like crap!!":O). apart from the drive, if are going to keep the car for atleast 2-3 yrs, then the whole experience counts (pouring oil, dealer visits etc).. I checked IS250 again and again and the rear seat looks more tighter to me every time ) I usually dont have passengers in my car but, the rear space almost looks like it i made for kids, thats why i am leaning towards A3 now. Saw a 2006 A3 for with 30K miles for $24K and a 2006 IS250 with 35K miles for $27K.. Granted R8 must be much more fun, but it wont be when you sign that monthly payment check My quest (still....) continues..

Yes, the IS250's rear seat is REAL tight, to have adults sitting in the back on any trips over an hour would be a pretty terrible idea. However, since my rear seat is normally unoccupied about 99.9% of the time that's really not an issue for me.

My suggestion is that make sure you think about this thoroughly, if the tight rear seat bugs you then just turn around and look for something else.